Sulfated zirconia catalysts supported on alumina for hexane isomerization

The effect of calcination temperature of the alumina support on the catalytic properties of supported sulfated zirconia catalysts was studied. It was shown that calcination of the support at 950 °C leads to the formation of δ-Al2O3 phase in the catalyst and stabilization of zirconia active component in the tetragonal modification. This is accompanied by a decrease in specific surface area of the support and catalyst and coarsening of primary crystallites in the support and active component phases. The indicated changes enhance the catalyst activity and selectivity.